General News
30 June, 2026
Budget hits ratepayers
TABLELANDS ratepayers will be hit with a 5.9% rise in annual rates as well as increases in sewerage, water and waste services after the 2026-27 Budget was handed down last week.
Ratepayers will have to fork out 8.4% more for sewerage utilities, 4.6% more for water access, 6.9% for waste services and 22 cents more for every kilolitre of water they use. The price of water is now $2.12 k/l, compared to Mareeba Shire’s $1.70 k/l.
The $162 million budget, which includes operating expenditure of $93.9 million and a $68 million capital works program, represents the largest ever adopted by Tablelands Regional Council, according to Acting Mayor Dave Bilney.
“This has been significantly enhanced through $53.6 million in State and Federal Government funding, the majority of which has been secured for disaster recovery and flood restoration works across the region,” he told the council.
The council did reduce the rate in the dollar for residential categories and reduced them from three to two, to soften the blow of rising land valuations.
“This year our region underwent a revaluation, and some communities experienced very significant increases in land values. In my division, the largest increases were generally seen on lakefront properties and within the Kairi community,” Cr Maree Baade said.
“Understandably, many residents were concerned about what those higher valuations might mean for their rates.”
Cr Baade said council adjusted the cents in the dollar by more than 20% across categories A1, A2 and M1.
“So, while valuations have increased significantly in some areas, I think it is important for the community to understand that those categories with the greatest increases in land values have also received the greatest reductions in the cent in the dollar,” she said.
The rate in the dollar for the A1 category (valuations up to $130,000) was reduced from 1.4637 to 1.0093, while the A2 category (valuations greater than $130,000) was reduced from 0.9559 to 0.7042. The M1 category (rural lifestyle) was reduced from 0.9399 to 0.7426.
The budget features a $68 million capital works program which includes $31.2 million for flood recovery and restoration works on the road network; $11.5 million for roads, bridges, footpaths and drainage infrastructure; $8.3 million for wastewater infrastructure; $6 million for parks, gardens and community precincts; $3.7 million for water infrastructure improvements; and $3.5 million for community and corporate facilities.
Cr Bilney said the Tablelands had experienced steady population growth averaging around 2% per annum, increasing to approximately 2.5% over the past 12 months.
“This high level of growth reflects the appeal of our region’s lifestyle, natural environment, affordability and economic opportunities,” he said.
“With growth comes responsibility. Council’s role extends far beyond what many people see daily. Across the Tablelands, we manage an extensive network of infrastructure and community assets that are critical to the wellbeing of our residents and the prosperity of our region.”
Chief executive officer Nikola Stepanov said responsible financial management often involved “difficult and unpopular decisions”.
“This past year was council’s most challenging budget as we brought a forecast 10-year Capital Works program of $530 million onto our 10-year Long Term Financial Plan,” she said.
“However, we squarely addressed our challenges, and will deliver an operating surplus, considerably improving council’s financial position. Today’s decisions do not place an unreasonable burden on current and future generations.
“They also help ensure that council remains well-positioned to respond to future opportunities and challenges.”
Crs Annette Haydon and Kevin Cardew voted against the budget, with Cr Haydon saying she did not “have much input into the budget” while Cr Cardew said he could not vote the budget while the operating expenditure remained so high.
TRC BUDGET AT A GLANCE
5.9% rise in annual rates
8.4% increase in sewerage utilities
4.6% increase to the water access charge
22c increase to water consumption ($2.12/kL)
6.9% increase for waste services
